Paul Orizu, a 48-year-old evicted tenant, was brought before the Ebute-Metta Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State for allegedly stealing electrical fittings valued at N500,000 from his former apartment. The defendant faced charges of repossession, breach of peace, and theft, as brought against him by the police.
According to the prosecutor, Supol Chinalu Uwadione, the incidents occurred on June 22, 2023, at about 9 a.m. at No. 12/13, Badagry Expressway, Orile-Iganmu, Lagos. Uwadione explained that Orizu retook possession of the apartment from the landlord without a court order, following eviction through a writ of court. He further alleged that Orizu conducted himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by preventing the landlord from taking over possession of the apartment.
The stolen items, including bulbs and electrical fittings, were said to belong to the landlord, Mr. Lawrence Abayomi. The prosecutor stated that Orizu’s actions contravened sections 104 (i) (h), 168 (d), and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.
Orizu pleaded not guilty to the charges. Magistrate Waliu Salami granted him bail in the sum of N200,000, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties are required to provide evidence of tax payment to the Lagos state government, and their addresses must be verified.
The case was adjourned until April 15, 2024, for further proceedings.
